Page 3 of Stripe Theory

“Oh, Alora’s research is fascinating,” Gerri jumped in smoothly. “I remember her from the charitable event for large cats. Such passion for tigers, especially.”

“Tigers?” Jewel’s interest sharpened visibly.

“Mm-hmm,” Gerri hummed innocently. “She had some brilliant theories about shifter biology. Very innovative approach.”

“My baby is absolutely brilliant,” Lumina said proudly. “Multiple PhDs before thirty—genetics, virology, zoology. She’s currently working on understanding a virus that’s been affecting tiger shifters, actually. Taking a whole new approach to the problem.”

Jewel’s eyes widened. “A virus affecting tiger shifters? That’s... that’s very interesting. What kind of research exactly?”

“Very promising work,” Gerri added helpfully. “Combining genetic analysis with viral mutation studies. Very cutting edge.”

“It would be fascinating to hear more about her research,” Jewel said carefully. “Especially given Kedi Biogenetics’s focus on shifter healthcare. We’re always looking for fresh perspectives.”

“What a wonderful idea!” Gerri exclaimed as if the thought hadn’t been her goal all along. “You should mention it to Rehan. The Katzens’s resources combined with Alora’s brilliant mind—imagine what they could accomplish together.”

“The facilities would be perfect for her research,” Lumina agreed eagerly. “And Alora’s been saying she needs betterequipment. Just last week she was complaining about her centrifuge making suspicious noises.”

“She said it sounds like a dragon with hiccups,” Gerri offered helpfully, making both women laugh.

“Speaking of dragons...” Jewel’s eyes narrowed playfully. “Gerri Wilder, is this your way of playing matchmaker again?”

“Me?” Gerri pressed a hand to her chest, the picture of wounded innocence. “I’m simply suggesting a mutually beneficial professional collaboration between two brilliant minds. Though...”

“Though what?” Lumina asked, amusement dancing in her eyes.

“Well,” Gerri drawled, examining her perfectly manicured nails, “if those two brilliant minds happen to belong to equally brilliant and attractive young people who might benefit from a little... personal collaboration...”

“Gerri!” both women exclaimed, then dissolved into laughter.

“You’re incorrigible,” Jewel said fondly. “Though I must admit, Rehan could use someone to shake up his perfectly ordered world. Just last week he color-coded his sock drawer. By shade.”

“Really?” Lumina raised an eyebrow. “Alora’s idea of organization is throwing everything into a box labeled ‘Science Stuff’ and hoping for the best.”

“Oh, they’d drive each other crazy,” Jewel grinned. “It would be wonderful.”

“Perfect,” Gerri declared. “Rehan needs someone to mess up his color-coding system, and Alora needs someone who can actually find things in her lab without a treasure map.

“Plus,” Gerri couldn’t resist adding, “think how adorable your grandchildren would be. All that intelligence combinedwith shifter genetics—they’d probably be solving quantum physics equations while learning to pounce.”

“Grandchildren!” Lumina’s eyes lit up like Christmas had come early. “Oh my, can you imagine? With Rehan’s strength and Alora’s brilliance...”

“And both of their stubbornness.” Jewel laughed. “Those children would be unstoppable. Though hopefully they’d inherit better organizational skills than their mother.”

“Hey!” Lumina protested. “Alora’s perfectly organized. She has a system.”

“Chaos is not a system, dear,” Jewel patted her hand sympathetically.

“It is when you’re a genius,” Lumina sniffed. “Besides, I’ve seen Rehan’s office. All those neat little labels and color-coded files? The boy needs to loosen up.”

“He labeled his labels last week,” Jewel admitted with a sigh. “I’m starting to worry.”

“See?” Gerri spread her hands. “They’re perfect for each other! His structure, her chaos. His focus, her enthusiasm. His tiger, her... well, her cat with business cards.”

“We’re getting ahead of ourselves,” Lumina cautioned, though her eyes sparkled. “First, they have to meet.”

“And fall in love,” Jewel added dreamily.

“And not kill each other,” Gerri muttered into her champagne.

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